A CHESTER charity collected dozens of kilos of food and raised thousands for good causes as they brought Christmas joy to families across the city with their annual Santa Float.

The Chester Grosvenor Round Table's annual Santa Float has been a staple of the city's Christmas calendar for decades and thanks to the generosity of residents, the event has once again seen impressive totals raised.

For 2023, another choice had been added to the donation options – one you can eat. Throughout the Float season, Chester Round Table have been taking donations to West Cheshire Foodbank along the route. Residents have donated all sorts of staples and little luxuries, from tins of beans and soup to chocolates, mince pies and Christmas puddings.

In total, nearly 150kg of food was donated to West Cheshire Foodbank on December 22, just in time for Christmas.

Chester and District Standard: An impressive amount of food donations were collected this year.An impressive amount of food donations were collected this year. (Image: Chester Round Table)

In addition to the foodbank drive, a total of £4,800 was raised, which will be used to support local causes around Chester throughout 2024.

The Float travels across the city throughout December, with visits to Newton, Great Boughton, Hoole, Vicars Cross, Christleton, Waverton, Saighton Camp and multi-stop day covering Blacon, Westminster Park, Handbridge and Lache taking place this year.

Roundtable Chairman Joe Stroud said: "Santa Float is in integral part of life in Chester during the Christmas period. We would like to thank all our volunteers and community groups for helping, including Chester FC and Chester RUFC.

"The joy brought to the people of Chester was clear to see. We look forward to bringing the Santa Float back in 2024 as well as running other community events such as the annual Chester Raft Race."

The charity primarily supports men from ages 18-45 focusing on mental health, community and team work. It is part of a five-club family of charities which includes the 41 Club, Ladies Circle, Tangent and Agora Clubs.

The Roundtable is made up entirely of volunteers who give up their free time to support the community. Anyone can volunteer to help with Roundtable funding events and the organisation is already on the look out for more people to help with next year's Float, with the hope of expanding the route.

Further information about the charity can be found on Facebook at Chester Grosvenor 76 Round Table or via the charity's website.